Cover Letter

Dear Mentor,

                I have achieved so much from writing essays. My writing style has improved and is better now compared to my writing style before. It is evident in my e-portfolio how my essays are more coherent than my previous essays. It was not easy to achieve my desired learning result because it was a long process.

                I am most proud of my argumentative essay for the reason that I used critical thinking all throughout the essay. I learned that my writing could be improved. I discovered techniques on how to write good and effective essays. These techniques include pre-writing, outlining, and making a thesis statement.

                Truly, my writing skills are better after 13 weeks in writing class. My essays really became more meaningful. I am now a more effective writer than I was before.

Gizelle Santos

Table of Contents

Essays	Date Submitted	Score/Perfect Score
Cover Letter	3-30-12
1. Extended Definition      (In Your Dreams)	3-20-12	87/100 (Final Draft)
2. Argumentative Essay      (Abolish Death Penalty)	3-30-12	91/100 (1st Draft)
3. Paragraphs
a. comparison and contrast b. cause and effect c. descriptive	2-24-12 2-10-12 1-31-12	17/20 28/30 9/10
4. Diagnostic Essay	1-6-12	3/5

In Your Dreams (extended definition)

Thesis Statement: A dream is a vision that occurs in your sleep.

Outline

I. Introduction

A. definition of dreams

1. ancient

2. religious

3. classical

                B. description of dreams

II. Body

                A. content of dreams

                                1. visuals

                                2. emotions

                                3. recurring dreams

                B. interpretation of dreams

                C. relationship to medical conditions

                D. related phenomena

                                1. incorporation of reality

                                2. déjà vu

                                3. sleepwalking

                                4. daydreaming

                                5. nightmares

                                6. memories

                E. significance of dreams

                F. relation of dreams to one’s life

III. Conclusion

                A. summary

                B. realization

In Your Dreams

                A dream is a vision that occurs in your sleep. These visions involuntarily appear in the mind during slumber. Dreams have been seen to connect to the unconscious part of the mind and are a sequence of images, thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

                Dreams can be interpreted in many ways (Lewis, n. d.). In the ancient times, people believed that gods showed themselves in dreams. They had a belief that dreams were like oracles which send messages from the gods. In the Bible, only one God was shown. In classical times, however, the soul was believed to be free and wander when dreaming. These interpretations depend on the person dreaming and how it is interpreted (Freud, 1994).

                Different people have different dreams. The content of dreams relies on what the person feels, remembers, or even wishes. In the present times, it is believed that the heart’s true desire is seen in dreams (Van Riper, 2002). For example, wanting to buy a new car would make a person dream of having a new car.

Dreams have a relation to medical conditions like dreaming in black and white with no colors (Harrison, 2001). Dreams are also related to reality. The things happening in the surroundings can affect the content of your dream (Allain et al, 2003). For example, a phone is ringing in reality then the dreamer dreams of a ringing phone as well (Griffin, 2004). Another phenomena associated with dreams is sleepwalking, wherein the dreamer is acting out the dream into reality. Déjà vu is also incorporated with dreams. One may remember a dream while it is happening in real life.

A person’s emotion or personality can be reflected in dreams. For example, negativity is shown through nightmares. While daydreaming is one way of dreaming positively, nightmares is its opposite (Hall& Van De Castle, 1966).

Dreams have a significant role in one’s life. It is a stage where desires and undesired things or thoughts can be unintentionally seen because it occurs in the unconscious part of the mind(Van Riper, 2002). It is a gateway of possibilities that one never imagined while awake.  Dreams express a person’s innermost desire by showing ideas that can affect the real world when applied in real life. It should be treated as a realization of one self.

Reference
Allain, G. et al. (2003). Replication of the day-residue and dream-lag effect. 20th Annual International Conference of the Association for the Study of Dreams.Retrieved March 2, 2012,    from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream.

Freud, S. (1994)The interpretation of dreams. New York: Modern Library. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream.

Griffin, J. (2004).Dreaming reality: How dreaming keeps us sane or can drive us mad. Human Givens Publishing.Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream.

Hall, C., Van De Castle, R. (1966). The content analysis of dreams. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.  Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream.

Harrison, J.(2001). Synaesthesia: The strangest thing. Oxford University Press.Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream.

Lewis, C. S. (n. d.). The discarded image.Cambridge University Press. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream.

Van Riper, A. (2003). Science in popular culture: A reference guide. Westport: Greenwood Press. p. 56.   Retrieved March 2, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream.

Abolish Death Penalty (argumentative essay)

Thesis Statement: Although death penalty is a fair punishment, I am against it because it is another form of murder which is an inhumane act.

Outline

I. Introduction

                A. definition of death penalty

                B. background on death penalty

                C. anti-death penalty statement

II. Body

                A. pros of death penalty

                                1. eliminates criminals

                                2. scares criminals

                                3. lessens number of prisoners in jail

                                4. is a way of justice for the victim

                B. cons of death penalty

                                1. execution if innocent

                                2. no effect on suicidal criminals

                                3. cost of lethal injections

                                4. against morality

III. Conclusion

                A. summary

                B. recommendation, solution, and prediction

                                1. alternative way of punishment

                                2. way of lessening crimes

Abolish Death Penalty

            Although death penalty is a fair punishment, I am against it because it is another form of murder which is an inhumane act. Death penalty is capital punishment wherein a criminal proven guilty of a major crime is sentenced to death by the government. I am against the death penalty and can prove in my essay that abolishing it would be a better choice.

            Death penalty decreases crime for the reason that people fear nothing more than death (Van Den Haag, 1983). By executing criminals, the people are protected from future crimes. Although it is a logical reason, there is no credible evidence that the death penalty decreases crimes (ACLU, 2007). States that practice death penalty do not lower crime rates compared to states which have only life time imprisonment as the highest form of punishment. Both punishments show the same results as thoroughly researched by the social science research in America (ACLU, 2007).

            Crimes interfere with the peace and order of a society (Budziszewski, 2004). Appropriate punishment which is just and equitable can restore the peace and order. Making the criminal pay for the crime with an equivalent punishment is acceptable. But killing a person who killed another person is just making the violent act again in another form (Schroth, 2008).

            In terms of cost, death penalty costs more than life time imprisonment. A person sentenced to death pays more because of more trials, resulting to more fees. Capital punishment requires more trials because a life will be taken away (Dieter, 2007).

            The death penalty also risks an innocent life being sentenced to death. Some who agree with the death penalty says that everybody makes mistakes and the death penalty should not be abolished for that reason (Stewart, 2008). Since life is the greatest thing that can be taken away from a person, one innocent life must not suffer death in place of the true criminal. When life is at hand, risking it is not an option (Feingold, 2000).

            Lastly, death penalty is morally accepted because it is a way of justice for the victims. The society would gain back its peace and order when the criminals are never to be seen in this earth again (Fein, 2008). On the contrary, killing is a sin; there is no doubt about it. Humans become inhumane and immoral when they take away another human life. Death penalty is immoral also for the fact that it is not fair for everybody. Criminals who are rich can buy their way out of their punishment (Stevenson, 2004).

            The death penalty should be abolished and should never be an option of punishment. Life time imprisonment without patrol can be equivalent and satisfying way of punishment for the criminals. In conclusion, life time imprisonment should be the highest form of punishment instead of death.

Reference

ACLU. (Apr. 9, 2007). The death penalty: Questions and answers. ACLU.org. Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Budziszewski, J. (2004). Capital punishment: The case for justice. OrthodoxyToday.org.    Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Dieter, R. (Feb. 7, 2007). Testimony to the judiciary committee of the Colorado State House of    Representatives. House Bill 1094: Costs of the Death Penalty and Related Issues. Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Fein, B. (June 17, 2008). Individual rights and responsibility: The death penalty, but sparingly.      ABA.org. Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Feingold, R. (April 26, 2000). National Death Penalty Moratorium Act of 2000. Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Schroth, R. (Sept. 5, 2008). ProCon.org. Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Stevenson, B. (2004). Close to death: Reflections on race and capital punishment in America.      Debating the Death Penalty: Should America Have Capital Punishment? The Experts on  Both Sides Make Their Best Case. Retrieved March 16, 2012, from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Stewart, S. (Aug. 6, 2008). Message on the Clark County Prosecutor. Retrieved March 16, 2012,  from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Van Den Haag, E. (Oct. 17, 1983). For the Death Penalty. New York Times. Retrieved March 16,  2012, from http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000.

Public vs. Private Transportation in the Philippines (comparison and contrast)

Public vs. Private Transportation in the Philippines

                Transportation in the Philippines has it’s own way. It’s either you take the public transport like the train, taxi, jeepney, or you have your own vehicle. Public transport in the Philippines, specifically in Manila, has a lot of diversity. Jeepneys and tricycles are scattered and are accessible almost everywhere. With a lot of people commuting, it is difficult to ride even though there are many public vehicles. Sometimes, it takes more than half an hour just to get a ride. A lot of people cannot afford to buy a car or lack budget for gas. But still, there are people who have their own cars. Because of not having to wait in line, having your own car is makes riding stress-free. People who can afford it have the comfort of sitting and not be disturbed by other passengers. The problem is the heavy traffic and parking.

Failure in School (cause and effect)

Failure in School

                There are many reasons why students fail in school. These reasons or causes lead to effects that affect the students’ life in school. One cause of failure is cutting classes, which lead to lessons missed and activities undone. Some students only come in class when there is an exam, but since they missed the lesson, those students would probably fail. Another reason of failure is laziness, which leads to cramming or being unprepared. Just when the teacher would ask the students to pass their works, that’s the only time they would begin to work. Cramming is a bad practice and should not be tolerated, because it only leads to a bad work and is a good reason to fail the student. One major cause of failure is bad influence of fellow students or friends. By being pressured by friends, students would be forced to hangout rather than go to school to attend their classes. Students are also pressured to cheat, which makes them uncommitted and lose the energy to study. Truly, the effects of failure are caused by a lot of factors.

Into the Forest (descriptive)

Into the Forest

                Mysterious things happen in the forest. As you venture into the forest, discoveries are made. The rocky road leads you to places you never thought of seeing. Mud gets all over your shoes and leaves get stuck under them. You will see big rocks piled up and wonder how those heavy rocks got there. Dark caves make you curious and wander inside to satisfy your curiosity. The rustling leaves, creepy noises and random animal sounds you hear might excite you and give you that feeling of danger that something is watching our ever step. The stink of animal stool mixes with the fragrance of flowers. The smell is indescribable and you would easily remember that horrible smell. The moist air mixed with the stink makes you want to take a bath. Fortunately, you find a small waterfall and take a shower there. With these things you discover, the forest is really such an amazing place.

Social Networking Site (diagnostic essay)

Social Networking Sites

                Social networking sites nowadays are very popular. Almost everyone has an account. Even children have their own account. These sites, such as Facebook, are very popular especially among teenagers.

People craze about social networking sites because it keeps in touch with friends and relatives. Also, one can view status and photos. Another reason why people craze about these sites is that one can play online games with friends.

                Social networking sites can cause either positive or negative effect on people. It can affect their emotional, physical and academic life. It can also be a way to show their personality through the words they use in these sites.

                Social networking sites can emotionally affect people when they are using it all the time. One may feel depressed when not in use. It becomes addicting and consumes time and energy for other activities. By using energy on these sites, it can cause physical problems. One may lack time to rest and to exercise their body. And lastly, it can affect academic life because not only do people lack time to study, but also it occupies their mind when studying. This can greatly affect their studies and future.

                People craze about social networking sites also because it is a great way to express oneself. People can be anyone they want to be. They can write whatever they feel and can share it with other people. Humans are expressive and having a way to conveniently be heard and seen can really be addictive.

               

There is no problem with social networking sites. People just have to know how to control and limit themselves when using it. I personally use social networking sites to connect with my high school friends and long distance relatives. It affects me emotionally in a positive way. By being connected to them, it keeps the bondage between us.  The usage of social networking sites really depends on the person using the sites and how they use it in their life.